Recycling
The City of Mt. Vernon partners with Republic Services to provide curbside recycling for residents. Recycling helps reduce waste, protect the environment, and keep our community clean. All recyclables must be placed inside your blue recycling cart for pickup. Following the guidelines below makes sure your items can be collected and properly recycled.
Requirements
- Place all recyclables inside the cart with the green lid.
- Set your cart at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.
- Remove your cart from the curb within 24 hours after pick-up.
Recycling Pick-Up Days
- Recycling is picked up every other week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- The city is divided into four areas for recycling pick-up.
- View the Recycling Collection Calendar and Route Map to find your pick-up day.
Do's and Don'ts for Recycling
- Make sure your recyclables are clean and dry - one dirty item can ruin a whole load.
- Break down or separate items made of multiple materials. (Example: remove paper inserts from plastic packaging.)
- Do not bag your recyclables. Plastic bags jam the machines.
- Only recycle items that are accepted curbside.
For more guidance, visit Recycling Simplified.
Watch this quick “Know What to Throw” video to learn what can and can’t be recycled curbside.
Accepted Items
Plastics
- #1: Water bottles, clear soda bottles, juice jugs
- #2: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles
- #5: Yogurt cups, sour cream containers, butter tubs
Metal
- Vegetable and soup cans
- Empty aerosol cans (hairspray, Lysol, room sprays)
- Drink cans (soda, energy drinks, etc.)
Paper
- Newspapers
- Magazines and catalogs
- Cardboard boxes
- Flyers, letters, etc.
Items You Cannot Recycle Curbside
- Batteries
- Glass bottles, jars, dishes or mirrors
- Containers of motor oil, antifreeze, pool chemicals, hazardous waste
- Styrofoam
- Light bulbs
- Electronics
- Plastic grocery bags, dry-cleaning bags, or newspaper sleeves
Local Recycling Options
These items cannot go in your cart but can be recycled at locations in Mt. Vernon:
- Walmart & Kroger - Plastic bag collection bins
- Lowe’s - Plastic bags, CFL bulbs, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, planter pots
- Battery Specialist - Car and Power Wheels batteries
- AutoZone - Clean used motor oil, car batteries
- Milano Metals & Recycling - Scrap metal, car and truck bodies, copper, aluminum, most kitchen appliances
- CPR Cellphone Repair - Cell phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles
Stay Informed
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